Check out the latest news and stories from Holy Angels, a nonprofit in North Carolina supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

 

Celebrating Our Incredible Team at the 2025 Employee Awards Banquet

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Friday evening, we kicked off Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week in the most joyful way possible—with our annual Employee Awards Banquet! Held at the Gastonia Conference Center, this special night celebrated the dedication, compassion and excellence of our incredible staff.

Dressed to impressed, Holy Angels staff gathered to recognize standout team members whose work is the heartbeat of our mission. These awards are especially meaningful because the nominations come directly from Holy Angels employees, honoring their peers for going above and beyond every day.

Achievement of Excellence Awards

One of the evening’s highlights was announcing our Achievement of Excellence Award winners. These awards go to employees who have been in their role for at least one year and exemplify the very best of Holy Angels—displaying ethical behavior, professionalism, reliability, and deep empathy for the residents we serve.

This year, hundreds of nominations were submitted, and while every nominee is extraordinary, only one winner could be named in each category:

  • Related Services: Luigia Cottrell, Dietary Services Coordinator

  • Relief Staff: Rebecca Johnson, Sub-Relief DSP

  • Direct Support: Patsy Allison, DSP, Moody Place

  • Program Professional: Annette Jackson, 2nd Shift Campus Supervisor

  • Supported Crew Member: Sarah Gaddy

Golden Angel of the Year

Our Golden Angel of the Year, selected from among the past year’s Golden Angel monthly winners, is someone who shines brightly throughout the year, inspiring both colleagues and residents.

  • Winner: Taylor Derr, Relief Lead, Moody Place

Rising Stars

Since 1995, our Rising Star Awards have recognized employees who are either new to Holy Angels or new to their role within the past year. These honorees demonstrate excellence in performance, attitude, and action while being positive role models and reliable team members.

  • 2025 Rising Star Recipients include: Jamerica Allen, Annie Altidor, Zakyah Bush, Andrea Clark, Mary Ann Fortun, Justice Gray, Chantell Harris, Briona Hatten, Abbigail Huffstetler, Johnathan Jones, Kimberley Kelly, Dominique Larken, Savannah Martin, Margaret Millard, Chase Prenzler, Stephanie Russell, Melanie Stiwalt, and Aaliyah Watson

Maria T. Morrow Spirit Award

Established in honor of our first resident, Maria Morrow, this award recognizes an employee who embodies Maria’s spirit of love, perseverance, joy, and a can-do attitude.

  • Winner: Sophie Hanafin, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Sophie’s nominators described her as outgoing, thoughtful, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated to our mission. She makes a lasting impact on programs and events like Volunteens, Visiting Angels, Camp Hope, and fundraisers. Whether speaking to a crowd or quietly working behind the scenes, Sophie’s unwavering energy and leadership shine through in everything she does.

Beth Withers “Make a Difference” Award

Named after beloved nurse Beth Withers, this award honors someone who brings comfort, encouragement, and kindness to others, always striving to make someone’s life better.

  • Winner: Lorraine Long, Community Group Home Manager

Since joining Holy Angels in 1995, Lorraine has demonstrated that this work is far more than a job—it’s her calling. As Community Group Home Manager at Carrabaun, she approaches every task with respect and dignity, ensuring each resident receives the very best care. Gentle, loving, and collaborative, Lorraine also supports her fellow managers, embodying the heart and teamwork that make Holy Angels so special.

President’s Award for Excellence

The President’s Award celebrates an employee who goes above and beyond, exemplifying servant leadership and extraordinary care for our residents.

  • Winner: Deborah Adams, Relief Lead Chef/Job Coach

Deborah began her Holy Angels journey on October 31, 2000. Over the years, she’s made an incredible impact through her leadership, generosity, and infectious positivity. Her dedication to our mission and our businesses has been instrumental in their success. Deborah’s “can-do” spirit and devotion to others are truly inspiring to all who know her.

Caring Hands, Caring Heart Award

This award honors individuals outside our staff who dedicate their time, talents, and hearts to support our mission—just as its namesake and Holy Angels medical director emeritus, Dr. C. Ellis Fisher, has done for decades.

  • Winner: Jessica Alberto, Music Therapist

Jessica has brought music and love to Holy Angels through her work with our Creative Arts program. From filling our halls with song to coaching residents for their shining moments at the Holy Angels Got Talent Gala, Jessica has created lasting bonds with our community. Her generosity and talent embody the very essence of “caring hands, caring heart.”

College of Direct Support Graduates

In addition to our awards, we proudly celebrated this year’s graduates of the College of Direct Support (CDS).

The CDS program provides a comprehensive curriculum of 85 courses designed to improve knowledge, promote quality services, and help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead more self-directed lives.

Balancing the rigors of this program with the demands of work and personal life is no small feat. It reflects not only a commitment to professional growth but also a deep passion for making a difference.

  • Congratulations to our 2025 CDS Graduates: Jenni Biddy, Jessica Bowen, Sun'nasia Brown, Taylor Derr, Amy Edenburn, Felicia Fox, Sophie Hanafin, Mia Afrah Hocog, Annette Jackson, Rylee Johnson, Savannah Martin, Margaret Millard, Hannah Onofrio, Kevin Paysour, Angela Pratt, Coleen Ratliff, Jessica Rice, Tijuanna Roman, Brandy Smith, Madison Stertzbach, Zantrice Tomlin, and Samone Wall.

Congratulations to all of our winners and graduates! Your dedication is what makes Holy Angels a place where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Thank you to every member of our team for the incredible work you do each and every day. Here’s to another year of love, service, and making a difference—together.

 

About Holy Angels: Now entering its 70th year, Holy Angels, Inc. provides medical services and specialized therapies, residential living, special education, creative arts and spiritual opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. The nonprofit currently serves more than 80 residents ranging from ages 2 to 83. Its innovative programs also extend to vocational training and meaningful employment to support adults in reaching their highest potential through five sponsored businesses - Cherubs Café, Cotton Candy Factory, Spruced Goose Station, Bliss Gallery and Market on Main. A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, Holy Angels maintains international accreditation from CARF, and employs more than 350 trained, committed individuals and maintains high standards of compliance with all federal, state and local governing bodies.